When a weed eater is choked off, it means that its air supply has been cut off.
It can also be termed as fuel starvation.
This manual will provide a definitive answer on the correct gas to oil ratio for your specific string trimmer model. String trimmer gas to oil ratios vary by manufacturer but most are moving toward a 50:1 ratio. It is likely that in the years ahead this will become the defacto gas to oil ratio for 2-stroke yard tools. All STIHL gasoline-powered equipment runs on a 50:1 mixture of gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil. Knowing the proper way to mix your fuel is the first step in keeping it running strong and long.
There are some disadvantages why you shouldn’t leave the choke on while using the weed eater.
For starters, it can make the engine splutter instead of accelerating after pushing the throttle trigger.
Excessive of this can cause the engine to stop completely.
Also, if the choke remains on, it can also cause a thick smoke inside the combustion chamber.
Ultimately, the smoke leaves carbon deposits on the spark plug, which can cause it to misfire easily.
This makes the trimmer engine not to start and can affect many parts.
What Causes A Weed Eater Not To Run With The Choke Off?
1. Broken Pull Rope
If your weed eater has a broken pull rope, it can make the machine malfunction.
Even when you try to repair it, it may not function the same.
However, you can buy a new card for it to function better.
The limitation of this is that you will have to play with the choke from full to half, or it will easily die.
2. Blocked Exhaust
Another major cause is a blocked exhaust.
The carbon buildup significantly affects the machine and blocks all necessary intakes.
This is due to the dirty air filter or bad spark plug.
3. The Wrong Mixture In The Gas/Oil Ratio
If the mixture of gas and oil ratio is not done well, the weed eater can’t easily run on choke off.
Also, if the oil is dirty, this can be disastrous because the motors are really sensitive.
Thus, be careful when adding oil to your weed eater.
4. A Dirty Or Clogged Spark Arrestor
A dirty or clogged spark arrestor can also be disastrous and not allow the weed eater to run on choke off.
When you pull the throttle, it increases or decreases the airflow and not the fuel flow.
If you want to regulate the fuel flow, you can do it through the venture effect in the carburetor.
When the spark arrestor gets dirty, air doesn’t flow well, so the vacuum effect in the venture of the carb is lessened, causing the fuel to flow less.
5. The Fuel System Is Checking Out And There Is An Air Leak
The weed eater is also tricky at times. While the choke is fully closed, the unit starts and idles slow.
At half open choke, the unit runs faster, but stalls out if you try to use it.
At a fully open choke, the unit tends to die out immediately.
If there is any kind of air leak, it will cause the engine to slow down or even slow due to the running.
However, when the engine starts, it is wiser to choke off the weed eater.
This will provide better service.
How To Fix This?
1. Check For Fresh Fuel
Fuel is vital in the proper functioning of the engine.
Thus, if the weed eater refuses to run with choke off, you can also decide to loosen the gas cap.
Fuel Oil Ratio Chart
This may not seem as necessary, but you need to take proper care of the inner parts to ensure everything functions well.
2. Ensure The Engine Is In Good Condition
The engine is vital in the weed eater, and if it isn’t functioning well or the oil is not sufficient, it can easily destroy the machine.
Check for any dirt in the carburetor to ensure that it is clean and functions well.
Also, be on the look-out for a weak diaphragm and replace any deformed parts.
3. Purchase A New Trimmer Or Clean The Carburetor
If the weed eater is letting you down, you can decide to purchase a new one.
However, that should be your last resolution if it can’t be repaired.
Also, ensure you clean the carburetor thoroughly to ensure it is not the problem.
You can also decide to replace the carburetor or diaphragm gaskets, just check the specifications and look for a compatible one.
4. Screw Out The Exhaust Muffler
You can screw out the exhaust muffler and clean the little screen that is inside.
This will help fix the temperamental weed eaters.
Gain access to the ignition and PTO side crank seals and spray them while running.
This is because the engine is sucking in the air leaning it out to the point it will not run unless choked.
Conclusion
If you want to set your weed eater well, you need to set the choke to the on position and pull the starter rope not more than six times.
2 Stroke Fuel Oil Ratio Chart
If that doesn’t work, set the choke to a halfway position between on and off and pull the starter rope three more times.
When the engine starts well, let it run for ten seconds and then turn the choke to off or run position.
If it doesn’t start when it is in the halfway position, wait for ten minutes, and repeat the sequence.
Choke on restricts any kind of airflow and chokes the engine.
This causes the air to get through more quickly, and because the carburetor still sprays fuel, it makes the mixture richer and easier to ignite rather than when it is choked off.